VietNamNet Bridge – National Assembly (NA) Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung has praised multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Denmark that have grown well in economics, trade, investment, cooperation, development, culture, education and training and scientific research.

Photo: VOV

NA Chairman Hung described the visit as a significant landmark in promoting Vietnam-Denmark cooperation relations, saying that bilateral cooperation has changed into a model for a mutually beneficial development partnership.

With a two-way trade turnover of US$421 million in 2011, Denmark has become Vietnam’s key leading economic partner in northern Europe.

The NA Chief praised the ties of friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Denmark that have developed well over the past four decades in economics, trade, investment, cooperation, development, culture, education and training and scientific research.

Mr Hung spoke highly of Denmark’s position in the EU and said he hopes Denmark will continue to support the EU’s recognition of a Vietnamese full market economy and urge the EU to conduct FTA negotiations with Vietnam.

The Vietnamese NA chief thanked Denmark for its many development assistance programmes in Vietnam including public management and administrative reform which has improved the capacity of NA deputies.

Danish Parliament Chairman Lykketoft said he has visited Vietnam five times before and every time he has witnessed rapid development in the country. Despite many differences, both nations are in consensus on the process of cooperation and development.

Mr Lykketoft said he was impressed by Vietnam’s socio-economic development, particularly in poverty reduction.

Denmark will take over the Chair of the EU Parliament in early June this year so it wants to accelerate cooperation between the legislative bodies of Vietnam and Denmark. The Danish Government and Parliament always encourage Danish businesses to invest in Vietnam and Vietnam has used ODA from Denmark very effectively, Mr Lykketoft said.

Both host and guest praised the strategic partnership between the two countries in coping with climate change, protecting the environment, and promoting green energy and growth, with Denmark using its strength in these fields to help Vietnam reach its potential.

Both sides agreed to continue exchanging high-level visits to share experiences in legislative and supervisory activities, as well as professional skills, to promote mutual understanding between their respective legislative bodies.

They also agreed to work together supervising the implementation of cooperative agreements and programmes to facilitate business investment in both countries and support each other at multilateral forums.

NA Chairman Hung also informed and clarified important issues related to amendments to Vietnam’s 1992 Constitution that concern the Danish delegation.

NA Chairman Hung later hosted a banquet in honour of his Danish counterpart and his entourage.

*** The same day, PM Nguyen Tan Dung praised the outcome of talks between NA Chairman Hung and the Danish Parliament Chairman, saying that he is happy to see Vietnam-Denmark relations growing so well in various fields, particularly in economics.

Last year’s two-way trade rose 15 percent over 2010. Denmark ranks seventh among the European investors in Vietnam and is also one of its biggest providers of ODA. Denmark has pledged to continue providing ODA for Vietnam until 2015.

Denmark and Vietnam have also established a strategic partnership for environmental protection and to cope with climate change.

PM Dung said he hopes Denmark continue providing ODA for Vietnam and supporting cooperation between the two countries in responding to climate change and rising sea levels  as well as, in the law-making process

Mr Dung also asked Denmark to create the best possible conditions for the Vietnamese community in Denmark to live and work in stability, thereby contributing to the promotion of bilateral cooperation and friendship between the two sides.

Mr Lykketoft said that what Vietnam and Denmark have achieved through their cooperation over the past few years has benefited their common development.

The Danish Parliament is ready to support cooperation between the two governments, particularly those proposed by PM Dung. The two sides will also share experiences in judicial reform, which is a potential area for future cooperation, said Mr Lykketoft.

VietNamNet/VOV